Defending Vodacom Cup champions, GWK Griquas fought back from 15 points down to run out 42-26 (halftime 13-21) winners over the Pumas in a Vodacom Cup North section match played at the AR Abass Stadium in Kimberley on Friday

The Pumas, newly promoted to the Premier Division, flexed their muscles in an excellent first half in which they raced to a 21-6 lead after half an hour, only for the champions to reel them in with a tenacious second-half effort. The Pumas scored early tries through wingers Nicky Kritzinger and Allistair Kettledas as well as centre Tiaan Marx to lead by 15 points after 32 minutes, but Griquas scored a late first-half try, through hooker Frik Venter, to stay in the game.

Fullback and man of the match, Bjorn Basson, was ultimately the difference between the sides, scoring a brace of tries on an afternoon in which the line was crossed on no less than nine occasions.

Flyhalf Riaan Viljoen, who left the Cheetahs outfit, slotted in effortlessly for his provincial team and finished with 17 points from four conversions and three penalties.

In the second half, replacement forward Rohan Kitshoff and Venter, again, scored within 10 minutes to give their team the lead, before Basson crossed for the first of his two tries to suddenly make it 35-21. Puma’s flanker, Jaco Bouwer scored their bonus point try, taking the score to 35-26, but Bjorm Basson went over for his second try, converted by Viljoen to seal the match at 42 to GWK Griquas and 26 to the Pumas.

Point Scorers

Griquas  – Tries: Frik Venter (2), Rohan Kitshoff, Bjorn Basson (2). Conversions: Riaan Viljoen (4). Penalties: Viljoen (3).Total 42

Pumas  – Tries: Nicky Kritzinger, Tiaan Marx, Allistair Kettledas, Jaco Bouwer. Conversions: Ricardo Croy (3). Total 26